The hidden world of nail salons: exploited workers, poisonous chemicals

Ever think driving around South Florida that nail salons seem to be proliferating exponentially? Almost every strip mall has one. Well, it’s a nationwide trend.

What also seems to be a trend is the health risks to the manicurists working in the salons.

Ingredients used in nail products have been tied to cancer, miscarriages, birth defects, lung diseases and other ailments – and the industry has long fought regulations, the New York Times reported.

Worker advocates say there is a “toxic trio” in nail products: dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde “that are associated with the most serious health issues, according to The Times. These chemicals make nail polish pliable and quick-drying.

Take Our Poll So if these chemicals are dangerous to the workers at nail salons, could they also be toxic to the customers?

If you are doing your own nails, there are number of products claiming to be free of the “toxic trio” of chemicals that are especially good for young kids. according to healthychild.org.

Janet Nudelman, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, an advocacy group, told the Times in 2012 that there is a concern the chemicals in nail polish may be absorbed through the skin or that the vapors would be inhaled. “No one is saying that occasional application of nail polish will cause long-term health consequences,” she told the Times.

But, in general, most experts say those at greater risk are the workers in salons who are exposed to the chemicals on a constant basis.

Jiha Ham, who worked as a Korean translator for the Times, said that way salon owners treated their workers was one of “their most guarded secrets.” Most of the salons investigated by the Times are owned by Korean-Americans.

“This is a real, true way to protect my community, my people,” Mr. Ham said. “If this is ongoing, my kid could be a victim in the future.”